No jokes, we are going to provide you with the best packing tips ever for going on a holiday so that you don’t land up packing more than you need, and so that you don’t forget the important stuff. Afterall, packing for a trip requires careful consideration and editing. Here goes… drumroll… and:

1. THE RIGHT SUITCASE: Invest in luggage that you love. Although luggage is a bit of a grudge purchase and can be a little expensive, it is so worth spending the money on quality luggage that will last you a long time. When rushing through the airport, a bag with wheels or spinners is a lifesaver. Small or medium-sized luggage is perfect for a beach holiday since you can fit a lot of lightweight clothing, like sarongs, bikinis, shorts, etc.

• A PACKING LIST: We cannot emphasize this enough. Make a packing list and check it twice so that you don’t forget the important stuff. Making a list is never a bad idea and ensures that you don’t over or under pack. Simply tossing items in a suitcase will not likely turn out well.

• PLAN YOUR WARDROBE: Lay things out first to create groupings and see if something doesn’t fit. A capsule wardrobe with a specific colour palette, like the basic black and white, goes with everything and is easy to pair with shoes and accessories. We also recommend packing by outfit, that way you don’t pack an individual item that you may or may not wear. Plan your outfits based on how many days you will be on holiday and consider the activities on your itinerary. Mix and match items will work the best.

• WEAR YOUR BULKIEST CLOTHES: Wear the heaviest clothes on the plane like a bulky jacket and boots… probably not necessary for an island trip but you get the idea.

• PACK VERTICALLY AND TIGHTLY: The organising guru, Marie Kondo, suggests folding clothes upright instead of stacked in a pile. This is great for maximizing space and makes it easy to view options when you open your suitcase. Also, a tight fold or roll keeps most things wrinkle free. Once finished with your packing, it is advisable to pack bras on top so that they don’t get flattened. Marie Kondo recommends “packing items that spark joy and contribute to your wellbeing once you reach your destination.”

• PRE-PACKED TOILETRIES: Keep a travel-only toiletry bag so that you don’t have to wait until morning to zip up your suitcase. Use a clear toiletry bag to easily see if you have all the essentials and also consider putting some toiletry items in smaller bottles to reduce volumes. FYI, hanging expandable toiletry bags are super nifty.

OR… take a new approach to toiletries and use the complimentary toiletries at the hotel to save space. Wink, wink.

• FIRST AID KIT: Pack a ready-to-go medical kit with all the necessary items that you may need. Plasters, painkillers, antihistamines and antacid medicine are a few of the things you may need while on holiday.

• JEWELLERY: There are a variety of ways to pack jewellery but here are a few inexpensive options. Mint tins, “Ziploc” bags, drawstring pouches, and pill containers all make great containers for jewellery. Keep necklaces in separate bags with the clip fastened so that they do not tangle.

• TECHNOLOGY: Leave the laptop at home and rather take an iPad or tablet and use cable wraps to keep cords tangle free.

1. CLEVER HACK: Pack a shopping bag or two to store dirty laundry or shoes. Use the shower cap from the hotel to pack a wet swimming costume after the last swim.

That’s it. No joke. Told you this was going to be useful. So where will you and your impeccable packing skills be heading?